yep... it's Monday again...

Ew... I feel sorry for Monday. I think it is the most dreaded day of the week, and I am guilty of harboring ill feelings towards it. Sorry Monday...

On a brighter note, I saw this and think of how true it really is...


























and then there's this... which pretty much sums up Monday through Friday for me:


Yeah so I wish I had something super fun/inspiring and eventful to share, but that really isn't the case. The truth about my weekend is I was lazy, really lazy. My bum barely left the couch. I finished a rather long book and read most of another... sad story.

I threw in a little Pinterest here and there (rough life, right?), but I did manage to find some good inspiration for my bedroom. Right now we rent a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom townhouse until we are ready to make the leap into home ownership(scary!) so I don't want to do anything to drastic considering it won't be permanent.

Right now we have black furniture, dove gray walls, and all white bedding...pretty pretty basic and boring.. so here are some of my thoughts.

My walls are just about the same color as the pic with the striped bench.  I think my first step is getting a headboard, but I am a bit skeptical as I know that our room size will change within the next year or so and it's an investment piece. So maybe I will start with some art, or something to put behind our bedside lamps.. I need opinions. Do you think that creams/tans go with the mixture of gray, white, and black?


xoxo

Finally Friday...

It is finally Friday, and I could not be more excited...not that I have something special planned or anything, but that is exactly it. I have NO plans... that means I can do whatever I want or nothing at all. Bliss.

Today's outfit.. sorry about the bathroom photo.. I forgot to snap one before I left =/



Necklace: J.Crew, Dress: Target, Shoes: Tory Burch






Good Reads:

I am kind of a nerd, it's no secret and I absolutely love to read. Last fall I read A Discovery of Witches by: Deborah Harkness, and I pretty much devoured it. Then the sequel came out a few months ago. I began reading and quickly became uninterested... It seemed more like a history lesson than a story (don't get me wrong, being the nerd I am, I love history, but I would have picked a non-fiction). I was about 25% of the way through, and I am the type of person that simply cannot start another book while I am in the middle of another. I picked it back up this week and at about 30% I became hooked. seriously! I can't put it down now! It is called Shadow of Night. I really suggest the pair for someone who wants a good read. I believe there is a third and final book that is still to be released. Be prepared though that they are kind of lengthy and slow starting, but the meat of the story does not disappoint. I have a Halloweeny story waiting for me once I am done called Thirteen Hallows. Supposedly it is kind of gruesome... not so sure I am prepared for that.. haha!

Work it Out:

I like to work out, I am just lazy. That's no big secret. Therefore I find that sometimes I need a bit of motivation to get to the gym. Sometimes I find that new workout clothes give me a reason to want to go. Everyone swears by Lululemon workout clothes. Typically I stick with my tride and true Nike gear, because I know what I am getting for the price. A girlfriend of mine told me the pants completely suck you in and well frankly help you not to jiggle so bad. (You all know what I am talking about... ew.) So I was looking at the site, and kind of fell in love with these cute things.

My question is: How do you gals like the products? Fit, comfort, durability, etc? I would love to know!

Have a happy weekend!

xoxo

Thursday is almost like Friday....

Ok, not really, but at least it is one day closer to the weekend and that is always a win in my book! Awhile back, I posted on 101 things I wanted to accomplish in 1001 days. I stole the great idea from Design Darling and I am not so sure that I am making any headway on it. Sooo I thought I would re-cap and break it down so I can get a move on! :) I crossed off the things that I already accomplished (not as bad as I thought), and left the things I want to accomplish by December 1st (or at least start the process of)...

7. Redesign my blog to make it a reflection of my personal style.

11. Scrutinize my closet and donate, store, or toss all the things I never wear.

12. Throw my first dinner party.

18. Buy/build parents a computer

19. Drink eight glasses of water every day for at least one week.

20. Make it to the gym four times a week for four months

21. Watch Breakfast at Tiffany’s

24. Learn how to make macaroons

26. Organize my paperwork

29. Subscribe to all those magazines I usually buy at newsstand prices anyway.

38. Run the full Illinois Marathon (will start working on this)

46. Buy something at a flea market

54. Make twenty recipes off of Pinterest.

55. See a comedy show.

69. Read twenty new books

70. Tory Burch Revas 

78. Find a beauty and skincare regimen that works for me.

83. Schedule appointments with doctor, dentist, etc. and go at least once per year.

85. Have a picnic 

86. Wear the right shade of red or pink lipstick — and not on Halloween 

87. See a movie at the Avon

88. Go antiquing.

91. Try five new foods

93. Find my signature cocktail 

98. Go hiking

101. Put $10 into savings for every goal accomplished.

Halloween Recipes:

I know that Halloween is just around the corner, and I personally love all of the spookiness! That being said, I don't like the abundance of candy that tends to surround me this time of year. I lack self control people! The Mr. and I like to have a Halloween movie marathon the weekend before Halloween and I like to make treats. Here are some of the favorites that I thought I would share for everyone who isn't content to sit down with a bowl full of Snickers, Twix, and Blow Pops (who am I kidding?)... haha

Ghost Cookies:

Ingredients:
1 (1 lb.) pkg. Nutter Butter cookies, about 30
60 (or so) semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
12 oz. white chocolate chips

Instructions: 1. Melt white chocolate in a microwave or double boiler.

2. Lay a Nutter Butter cookie on a small plate or other washable surface.

3. Spoon melted white chocolate over front of cookie.

4. Press two mini chocolate chips into white chocolate for eyes. Refrigerate on waxed paper to set.

5. Repeat with remaining cookies.

Note: This recipe has you cover only one side of the Nutter Butter cookies in white chocolate. This helps to cut down on the overwhelming richness of an entirely-covered cookie. Want your entire ghost to be white? Buy a bit of extra white chocolate, and dip the whole cookie. You can do anything you like with this easy Halloween cookie recipe. 

Copycat Chili's Skillet Queso:

16-ounce box Velveeta Cheese

1 c. milk

2 teaspoons paprika

½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper

15-ounce can Hormel Chili (No Beans) 

4 tsp. chili powder

1 tablespoon lime juice 

½ tsp. ground cumin

Cut the Velveeta into cubes. Combine the cheese with the remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until cheese melts.

Enjoy with tortilla chips!

xoxo

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice...

Hey! Happy Monday!... or shall I say... how many days until Friday?! ;)  Here's to hoping that everyone had a super weekend, I know I did. Here are some snapshots!

1. My bathroom

2. shelves... my meager attempt to style

3. lovely dinner view

4. yummy candle- smells like sweet treats!

My mama and I went shopping and scored some great deals at J.Crew! We found a garage sale along the way- and typically I am skeptical when it comes to clothing at garage scales, but these ladies were pretty upscale and had designers like Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs and more... so I scored a pretty cute Ralph Lauren vest for $4! .. can't wait to pair it with wellies and plaid!

 1. Pretty details

2black dress

3.vest I scored

4.Fall essentials

 5. pretty tights - cute polka dot detail!

What are some of your favorite fall items on your wish list??! 

My Day:

I need help:

Sugar:

Pumpkin Better Than… Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 small can pumpkin puree
• 1 – 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 – 8 oz. tub cool whip
• 1/2 bag Heath Bits
• Caramel Sundae Sauce

 Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix and pumpkin puree until a smooth batter forms.
2. Pour batter into a well greased 9×13 baking dish. Bake at 350º according to the directions for a 9×13 cake on the cake mix box.
3. Let cool for about 10 minutes after baking. Using the bottom of a wooden spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake (this post from a friend has great step by step photos for this part).
4. Pour the sweetened condensed milk over the cake, filling the holes. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
5. Spread the cool whip over top of cake. Sprinkle on the heath bits, and drizzle caramel over top (just to your liking). Refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or overnight (best).

Spice:

Taco Stuffed Shells

Note: This is a recipe you may want to double because as long as you're going to the effort of stuffing the shells you might as well double it and freeze half.....besides you will realize how amazingly delicious it is and you'll regret not doubling it...

1 lb. ground beef or turkey

1/4 cup taco seasoning, 1 envelope

4 oz. cream cheese, cubed

12 Jumbo Pasta shells, cooked according to package instructions

1 cup salsa

1 cup taco sauce

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Jack cheese

 

Optional Toppings:

1 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips

1 cup sour cream

3 green onions, chopped

sliced olives

guacamole

sliced avocados

tomatoes

In a skillet brown meat over medium heat. Add taco seasoning and mix to combine. Add cubed cream cheese, cover and simmer so cream cheese can melt. Remove from heat and cool.

Fill cooked shells with about 1-2 T. of meat mixture. In a 9x13 glass baking dish pour salsa to coat the bottom of dish. Place filled taco shells on top then add taco sauce. Cover and bake @ 350 for 30 minutes. Remove from oven, uncover, and sprinkle cheese on top, return to oven for another 15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with sour cream, and toppings of your choice.

Just.. YUM!

Fall Friday

Hey! Sorry I have been absent... it has been one of those weeks where people are gone at work and  I have plans after work most nights and by the time I get home my creative juices are just not flowing. No excuse, I know.. I need to start just stockpiling in advance for these situations, but I like the more organic, whatever comes to mind approch!

I have been loving some products lately and I just had to share. I have committment issues, especially with beauty products.. and I feel sorry for that.. but come on, there are so many to try and so little time ;) These are products that haven't let me down and I use them everyday!

1. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream - $10 - I use this as a body moisturizer and on my face at night! Super gentle, and unscented.. perfect for sensitive skin and pairing with fragrances.
2. Neutrogena Oil Free Moisture - combination skin- $9 - Every morning, keeps me hydrated in the dry office, but keeps me from looking too shiny.
3. Chloe - Eau De Parfum - $115 - Not too floraly - girly but with a spicy note to it... good for every season!
4. La Vanilla - Pure Vanilla - $58 - all natural.. smells like vanilla yumminess (without smelling like a cake) - warm almost like sandalwood, and super long lasting.. lovely for those fall nights!
5. Essie Lollipop - $8 - perfect orangey bright red - channels J.Crew - enough said
6. Lancome Definicils Mascare - waterproof - $26.. only one that I found not to smudge and leave me looking like a pesky raccoon! - no lie.

There you have it, those are the products that I swear by and would recommend to anyone!

This weekend is some super fun stuff coming up. Tonight we are going to a pumpkin carving/painting party and a bonfire at a friend's house! how fun... I am thinking I want my pumpkin to to look like this:

Then tomorrow I got invited to an even our new local factory store is having... bless them!.. It's a New Collection Fashion Event and I am taking my mama... it should be a fun filled day of shopping! While I am on the subject, J.Crew launched their brand new factory site. Right now select items are 40% off! There are some great basic pieces there and some Merino sweaters that are very similar to the long sleeve crew neck cashmre tees (my fave.)

Then it is a charity even kind of evening on Saturday for a local club. The $100 dance.. steak dinner, open bar, and dancing.. oh yeah, and the opportunity to bring home $6500! woo! That would be nice :)

Well I hope you stylish ladies have a fantastic weekend. What are you guys doing this weekend?!

xoxo

FOOD!

Yeah, so I am excited to share a quick/healthy snack with you! If you have ever been to Destihl and had the marinated cucumber small plate, I created a pretty close replica... super yummy!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cucumber(sliced fairly thin)
1/2 onion sliced thinly
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp habanero or pepper infused olive oil
1 generous pinch crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tbsp chili powder
1 dash of garlic powder (optional)

mix liquid ingredients, combine cucumbers/onion and liquid in bowl with lid, shake and let sit in refrigerator for about an hour.. enjoy!


A little bit of outfit inspiration just because!

inspiration...inside and out.

I had one of those days where you just need inspiration.. for pretty much everything. Changing your own mind is the hardest thing ever considering it is a constant internal struggle and you are battling against yourself! Nevertheless, I had one of those days when I needed inspiration, so here is some of my inspiration that I am sharing with you!



style inspiration:


love this easy effortless hair:

gorgeous makeup:


I can do this:


I just thought I would take a moment to share. Hopefully this is just what someone else needed.

xoxo